Alien Insect Impact on Cultural Heritage and Landscape: an Underestimated Problem

The impact of alien invasive insects on cultural heritage and landscapes is very often neglected; even though, more than 50% of species that threaten cultural heritage in Europe are of exotic origin. In addition they are more aggressive. Several examples and a description, are given of the most dang...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage 2017-06, Vol.15 (2), p.61-72
Main Author: Barbara Manachini
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
biodiversity
economic impact
insect pests
Invasive species
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Summary:The impact of alien invasive insects on cultural heritage and landscapes is very often neglected; even though, more than 50% of species that threaten cultural heritage in Europe are of exotic origin. In addition they are more aggressive. Several examples and a description, are given of the most dangerous alien insects present in heritage sites that constitute a risk for the conservation of cultural property: museum collections, libraries, archives and historic buildings. Globalisation has increased this phenomenon but traces of the accidental introduction of insect pests have occurred since Roman times. The paper discusses the need to implement an estimation of the costs that arise from the damage caused by these species and the lack of specific legislative aspects.
ISSN:1974-4951
1973-9494
DOI:10.6092/issn.1973-9494/7119